Get bewitched with Red Witch, a tantalizing blend of Pernod, black currant cordial, and cider. Perfect for a spooky night in or a cozy evening by the fire, this easy-to-make cocktail will cast a spell on your taste buds. Impress your guests with this magical recipe - no witchcraft required!
Red Witch Ingredients
- 1 shot Pernod
- Black Currant Cordial
- 1 pint Cider
Red Witch Recipe
- mix ingredients together
- serve in Pint glass
- top up with Cider
Recommend: serve in Pint glass
A standard pint glass is a tall, tapered glass with straight sides. They usually carry 16 ounces, enough for a whole bottle of beer with its foamy head. Pint glasses can be chilled in the freezer.The Red Witch: A Classic Cocktail with Enduring Popularity
As a professional bartender, I have seen first-hand how certain cocktails remain popular throughout the years. One such drink is the Red Witch. This vibrant and flavorful cocktail has a fascinating history and has become famous for its unique appearance and taste. In this article, I will explore the origins of the Red Witch, the roles of its key ingredients, how to garnish the drink, its many variations, and common mistakes to avoid when making it.
Popularity
The Red Witch is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. Its origins can be traced back to the 1930s, where it was first served at a bar in San Francisco. Since then, the drink has spread in popularity throughout the United States and beyond.
The Red Witch is famous for its unique appearance. It is a bright red drink that is often served in a pint glass with a slice of apple as a garnish. The drink's striking color comes from the combination of Pernod and black currant cordial, which are the primary ingredients.
Ingredient Roles
The Red Witch is made up of three key ingredients: Pernod, black currant cordial, and cider. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the drink's unique taste and appearance.
Pernod is a type of French liqueur that has an anise flavor. It is a crucial ingredient in the Red Witch, as it gives the drink its distinct licorice taste. Black currant cordial is a sweet syrup made from black currant berries. It adds a fruity flavor to the drink and is responsible for its bright red color. Finally, cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apples. It provides a crisp and refreshing taste to the Red Witch.
How to Garnish
The Red Witch is often garnished with a slice of apple. To garnish the drink, simply slice a fresh apple into thin pieces and place one on the rim of the glass. The apple adds a touch of sweetness to the drink and complements its fruity flavor.
Variations
The Red Witch can be easily adapted to meet the dietary needs and preferences of different individuals. Here are some variations of the Red Witch:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Red Witch, simply remove the Pernod from the recipe. Replace it with an equal amount of anise-flavored syrup or extract to maintain the drink's licorice flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
The Red Witch is naturally gluten-free, as none of its ingredients contain gluten. However, if you are using a premade black currant cordial, be sure to check the label for any hidden gluten.
Vegan Version
The Red Witch is usually vegan-friendly, as none of its ingredients come from animal sources. However, some ciders may contain honey, so be sure to check the label before using it in the recipe.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Red Witch, replace the cider with a low-carb almond milk or coconut milk. Use a sugar-free black currant cordial and skip the apple garnish to keep the recipe low-carb.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Red Witch, use a low-calorie cider and a sugar-free black currant cordial. Skip the apple garnish to reduce the calorie count even further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Red Witch, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Using the Wrong Cider
The type of cider you use can make a big difference in the taste of the Red Witch. Be sure to use a dry cider, as it provides a crisp and refreshing taste that complements the other ingredients.
Adding Too Much Pernod
Pernod is a potent liqueur, and too much of it can overpower the other flavors in the Red Witch. Stick to the recipe and only use one shot of Pernod.
Not Chilling the Cider
The Red Witch is best served cold, so be sure to chill the cider before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure that the drink is refreshing and crisp.
In conclusion, the Red Witch is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its unique appearance and flavor have made it a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts for decades. By following the recipe and avoiding common mistakes, you can enjoy a delicious Red Witch that is tailored to your dietary needs and preferences.
If you are going to order Red Witch in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Red Witch can be served with different ingredients in different places.
